Welcome to the honeymoon period in Orlando. The Magic have far better seasons ahead of them than what the 2022-23 campaign is likely to produce, but this group may never have a more fun year than the one they’re about to embark upon. The all-out tank is over. There’s a core in place that should be ready to win in a few years, but the fans understand that it’s going to take time. For the next 18 months or so, losing is acceptable. What matters are highlights, development and vibes.
This team should provide all three in spades. No. 1 pick Paolo Banchero leads the way as perhaps the most exciting offensive player Orlando has had since Tracy McGrady, but he’s far from the only young star in place. Franz Wagner is coming off of a stellar rookie run that flew under the radar only because of Scottie Barnes and Evan Mobley. Wendell Carter Jr. had a breakout season in place of Nikola Vucevic, and the Magic have likely settled on a front-court for the next half-decade with that trio.
Key Changes
- Drafted Paolo Banchero No. 1 and Caleb Houstan No. 32.
- Re-signed Mo Bamba to a two-year, $21 million deal.
- Re-signed Gary Harris to a two-year, $26 million deal.
Roster
|
Player |
Position |
Age |
|
Cole Anthony |
Guard |
22 |
|
Mo Bamba |
Center |
24 |
|
Paolo Banchero |
Forward |
19 |
|
Bol Bol |
Center |
22 |
|
Ignas Brazdeikis |
Forward |
23 |
|
Devin Cannady |
Guard |
26 |
|
Wendell Carter Jr. |
Center |
23 |
|
Markelle Fultz |
Guard |
24 |
|
R.J. Hampton |
Guard |
21 |
|
Kevon Harris |
Guard |
25 |
|
Caleb Houstan |
Forward |
19 |
|
Jonathan Isaac |
Forward |
24 |
|
Chuma Okeke |
Forward |
24 |
|
Terrence Ross |
Guard |
31 |
|
Admiral Schofield |
Forward |
25 |
|
Jalen Suggs |
Guard |
21 |
|
Gary Harris |
Guard |
28 |
|
Franz Wagner |
Forward |
21 |
|
Mortiz Wagner |
Forward |
25 |
Top of the key: How good is Paolo Banchero, really?
Orlando has most of the ancillary players a contender would need. Wagner fills their versatile wing requirement. Carter and Mo Bamba give them front-court diversity, and as we’ll get to in a moment, they have no shortage of guards. Their future will be as bright as Banchero allows it to be, and the early signs are extremely positive.
Banchero was the best prospect at summer league, displaying a rare combination of athleticism and touch in a brief stint in Vegas. We knew about the scoring. The playmaking was a bit of a surprise, and while he’s got a long way to go defensively, the tools were very much on display at the Summer League showcase. The Magic will likely allow Banchero to run their offense for large stretches of his rookie season. There are going to be kinks to work out, but…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at CBSSports.com Headlines…